Rural tourism, and alternative for local development. Study cases from the Grecánica (Reggio Calabria) area, Italy and Cabaiguán municipality, Cuba.

Abstract

Actually rural tourism is an economic activity; in Europe and Latin America is one of the principal tourism tendencies. Its development is based on the interest and joy of its cultural and natural potentialities:  beautiful landscapes, patrimonial wealthiest bound to towns that shows to any visitor their harmony on their everyday duty. Although is favorable for the local economy, landscapes and towns are vulnerable. The object of this research was the rural area of Grecánica, located at the south area of Italy and the municipality of Cabaiguán, Cuba. We made an inventory of tangible and intangible patrimony. And both have potential to spread the offers and touristic products, they have to initiate pilot experiences allowing on the way the valuation of its resources. Based on pictures taken of these areas we evaluated the landscape quality as part of the patrimony that allowed the identification of the best places and the landscapes views. We made a special analysis using the GIS in order to evaluate the landscapes views and the determination of the trial characteristics and the recommendation to operate and maps.